Elmer Eckel

Benjamin Funeral Service, Nowata, Oklahoma, 918-273-2700

Elmer Harold Eckel, 90, long time resident of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully June 4, 2021.

Elmer was born on April 1, 1931, in Beatrice, Nebraska, to Harold William Eckel and Lena (Stein) Eckel Stritzke. He lost his father at a very young age. Elmer’s mother  later married Frank Stritzke, who took Elmer in just like one of his own sons. He grew up and attended high school in Lenapah, Oklahoma. After high school, Elmer had a calling to serve his country and joined the United States Army. On March 7, 1960,  he  married Elsie Elizabeth Kimball and they spent 46 loving years  together until her passing in 2006.

He worked as a carpenter for most of his life and was very talented. Elmer could fix just about anything and was a trustworthy, hard worker. In his spare time, he enjoyed restoring old Ford tractors. In 1996, Elmer bought the family farm and continued to operate it. He enjoyed farming, raising cattle, and gardening. You could always count on Elmer when you needed help. Elmer was a well-respected member of the community and will be missed by many. He also enjoyed spending quality time with his grandkids.

Elmer is preceded in death by his wife Elsie Eckel; parents, Harold Eckel, Lena Stritzke and husband Frank;  two brothers, Jimmy Stritzke and John Stritzke.

Survivors include his children, Gary Eckel and Steve Eckel; grandchildren; Brandy King, Ashley Eckel, Elizabeth Eckel, Deena Eckel; eight great grandchildren; many other relatives, and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, June 18, 2021, at Benjamin Funeral Home in Nowata, Oklahoma, with Chaplin Josh Greer officiating. Services are under the direction of Benjamin Funeral Service of Nowata. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com or on the Benjamin Facebook page.